JP2023543986A - vehicle steering wheel - Google Patents

Abstract

- a hub (20); - a movable structure movable relative to the hub (20) between an operating position and at least one console position; - a hub (20) and a movable structure; an articulation portion (40) located between the articulation shafts and including at least one articulation shaft; - at least one electrical conductor (50) extending from the hub (20) to the movable structure; In a vehicle steering wheel, the articulating shaft has a recess for forming a cable passage through which an electrical conductor (50) extends from the hub (20) to the movable structure. Features a vehicle steering wheel. [Selection diagram] Figure 4

Description

VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates generally to vehicle steering wheels intended for installation on motor vehicle vehicles.

It is known in the prior art to propose vehicle steering wheels with articulation, for example DE 202017107359 discloses a steering wheel in which a part of the rim of the steering wheel is able to pivot. are doing. US Pat. No. 1,056,2558 discloses a steering wheel having two pivoting rim parts that are fixed by electromagnetic devices. Current steering wheel rims may be equipped with several electrical devices, and the above-mentioned document describes a robust electrical connection between the hub and the rim or rim portion that is movable relative to the hub, i.e. We do not propose a solution that proposes a steering wheel with an electrical connection that is guaranteed regardless of the position of the steering wheel, or even after many movements of the rim over time. do not have.

US Pat. No. 2,019,291,772 (A1) discloses a steering wheel articulated with a solid bearing rod extending from one side of the articulation bearing to the other side. No solutions have been proposed to facilitate or optimize the electrical connection between the steering wheel rim and the hub. In particular, since no internal access within the articulation is proposed towards the hub or center of the steering wheel, the cable remains visible and optimization of the cable path is not possible.

One objective of the present invention is to address the shortcomings of the prior art documents mentioned above, and in particular, first of all, a robust electric The purpose of the present invention is to propose a steering wheel that has a mechanical connection.

Therefore, the first aspect of the invention is:
- with a hub,
- a movable structure movable relative to the hub between a first position as a driving position and at least one second position as a console position;
- an articulation part arranged between the hub and the movable structure and including at least one articulation shaft;
- at least one electrical conductor extending from the hub to the movable structure;
The present invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel, characterized in that the articulating shaft has a recess for forming a cable passage, through which the electrical conductor extends from the hub to the movable structure. The steering wheel according to the above implementation includes an articulation shaft disposed between the hub and the movable structure, the articulation shaft including a recess for forming a cable passage. Therefore, the electrical conductor can pass through this recess, which ensures protection of the electrical conductor and minimizes or minimizes the risk of interference or entrapment with moving parts. Amplitude movement is also guaranteed. In fact, the recesses form passages in which it is easy to ensure the position of the electrical conductors. In other words, the articulation shaft includes a recess for forming a cable passage arranged to guide the electrical conductors of the hub to the movable structure.

According to one implementation, the hub can be arranged to connect a vehicle steering wheel to a vehicle steering system, such as a steering column.

According to one implementation, the articulation shaft may include a recess along its entire length.

According to one implementation, the articulation shaft may be a hollow shaft, such as a tube or a ring.

According to one implementation, the vehicle steering wheel and/or articulation may include a retaining member positioned to retain the electrical conductor within the recess. This retaining member can be, for example, a nut that is screwed onto the articulation shaft, the articulation shaft being threaded over at least part of its length.

According to one implementation, the electrical conductor may have one end located on the hub side that includes a connector, the connector may have dimensions larger than the dimensions of the cable passage. . The connector is connected to the electrical conductor, which has previously been passed through the articulation shaft and its recess.

According to one implementation, the steering wheel may include a support hole for the articulation shaft arranged to receive the articulation shaft, the dimensions of the connector being less than the dimensions of the support hole of the articulation shaft. It can be made small.

According to one implementation, the articulation shaft can be an additional part, separate from the movable structure and the hub.

According to one implementation, the vehicle steering wheel may include a play compensation device located at the articulation between the movable structure and the hub.

According to one implementation, the play compensation device may include a resilient member, such as a resilient washer or even a conical washer. Springs can also be envisaged. The electrical conductor can pass through the central hole of the elastic member.

According to one implementation, the play compensation device may be arranged to compensate for axial play of the articulation shaft.

According to one implementation, the play compensation device may be coaxial with the articulation shaft.

According to one implementation, the vehicle steering wheel may include a friction reduction device located at the articulation between the movable structure and the hub. One (or more) rings, friction washers, which are rigidly connected to the articulation shaft and/or to the movable structure, can be envisaged. The electrical conductor can pass through the central hole of the friction reduction device.

According to one implementation, the friction reducing device has a coefficient of friction of less than 0.15, preferably less than 0.10, even more preferentially less than 0.07, such as a component comprising polytetrafluoroethylene or bronze. The device may include at least one component having a structure.

According to one implementation, a vehicle steering wheel may include two coaxial articulations, each articulation having an articulation shaft that includes a recess. As a result, each articulation may have at least one side which is arranged towards or in the direction of the center of the steering wheel. In other words, each articulation may have a hub- or steering column-facing surface, such that the electrical conductor is directed from the hub to the hub-facing surface and then into a hollow or concave surface while remaining hidden from the user. It is easier to define it to extend towards the shaft and then towards the rim. The conductor paths are short and optimal in terms of the deformations imposed during movement of the movable structure.

According to one implementation, the electrical conductor can pass through the joint shaft of one of the two joints.

According to one implementation, the vehicle steering wheel may include a single articulating shaft with a single recess.

According to one implementation, the at least one articulation shaft has a recessed opening facing the central space of the steering wheel, for example the interior space, ie the hub or the steering column.

According to one implementation, the steering wheel may include one or more covering components that cover the electrical conductor paths and/or the articulations. Such decorative parts can cover the hub, the lateral or peripheral surfaces of the hub and therefore the lateral or peripheral surfaces of the articulation shaft, and the opening of the recess towards both the hub and the rim.

According to one implementation, the movable structure may include a reinforcing portion. Such reinforcements form a carcass or framework.

According to one implementation, the reinforcement portion may include at least one rim reinforcement and/or at least one spoke reinforcement.

According to one implementation, the rim reinforcement may be separate from the spoke reinforcement.

According to one implementation, the vehicle steering wheel may include an electrical device or device incorporated within the movable structure, and the electrical conductor is disposed on the side of the movable structure and connects to the electrical device or device. has one end that is The electrical device or device can be a heating device, a capacitive sensing device, a lighting device, etc.

According to one implementation, the movable structure in the driving position is defined to form rims essentially contained in the same plane to provide a practical gripping interface for driving the vehicle. I can do it. In the simplest embodiment, the rim with the movable structure in the operating position can be a flat circular hoop. However, it is also possible to have more complex shapes, i.e. ellipses, rectangles, rectangles with rounded corners, simple levers or handles as in Formula 1, always located generally in the same plane or , or preferably slightly deflected. However, in the driving position, the rim forms a rigid, locked gripping interface that can be gripped by the user to drive the vehicle. In the operating position, it is possible to provide a rim of closed shape (hoop, oval, oval), formed in the same plane and only partially movable. It is also possible to provide an open-shaped (for example U-shaped) rim, only part of which is movable.

According to one implementation, the movable structure at the console location can form a support surface, for example, on which to place a computer. According to one embodiment, the movable structure frees space when the steering wheel is straight (wheels are straight, the vehicle is stationary or in a self-driving situation) and/or the movable structure or may include a rim or rim portion that slopes forward for placing a computer or the like.

According to one implementation, the movable structure may include only a rim portion. If the steering wheel is straight (the wheels are straight in vehicles with a mechanical steering column), it is possible, for example, to provide that only the upper part is articulated.

According to one implementation, the movable structure may include only a rim portion and at least one spoke portion.

According to one implementation, the movable structure may include the entire rim.

According to one implementation, the movable structure may include the entire rim and preferably at least one spoke portion.

According to one implementation, the vehicle steering wheel may include a cable positioning insert disposed within the cable path between the electrical conductor and the articulation shaft. Such inserts can be provided with an elastic fit or a snap fit for quick assembly. Such an insert makes it possible to limit or even avoid any contact between the electrical conductor and the articulation shaft.

According to one implementation, the articulation is a pivot connection.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a vehicle steering wheel according to the first aspect.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer on reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, which is given by way of non-limiting example and is illustrated by the accompanying drawings. .
1 is a schematic top view of a vehicle steering wheel equipped with a movable structure movable relative to the hub; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal articulation and electrical conductors of the steering wheel of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a detailed view of FIG. 2; 2 is a cross-sectional view along the plane of FIG. 1 including axis IV-IV; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an alternative implementation of the implementation of FIG. 4. FIG.

FIG. 1 shows a vehicle steering wheel comprising a hub 20, a rim 10, and spokes 30 connecting the hub 20 to the rim 10. FIG. The steering wheel shown in FIG. 1 includes a movable structure that is movable relative to the hub 20. The steering wheel shown in FIG.

In the illustrated embodiment, the movable structure includes, inter alia, the rim 10 and a portion of the spokes 30, and is pivoted relative to the hub 20 about the axis IV-IV by means of an articulation 40, visible in FIGS. 2-4. can move. In FIG. 1, the movable structure is in a driving position and the steering wheel can be used to steer the vehicle. The movable structure can e.g. can provide a substantially horizontal surface capable of receiving.

Alternatively, it may be provided that only a portion of the rim 10 is movable, or even several movable parts may be provided.

FIG. 2 shows the steering wheel of FIG. 1 in a perspective view to show part of the internal structure. For this purpose, the outside of the center part of the steering wheel is absent to show the two articulations 40 and the electrical conductors 50 (typically the airbag and its cover have been removed).

Articulation 40 provides a connection between hub 20 and the movable structure (rim 10 and spokes 30) by forming a pivot connection, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. , each including an articulation shaft 41.

The electrical conductors 50 typically include electrical components mounted on the movable structure (modules for heating the rim 10, light indicators within the rim 10, capacitive sensors for presence detection within the rim 10, spokes). (e.g., a control button installed on the hub 20) and connect this electrical component to the vehicle's on-board network, for example via a terminal block or socket installed in or on the hub 20. enable.

During movement of the movable structure relative to the hub 20, it is important to ensure that the electrical conductors 50 are not at risk of being pinched, rubbed, abraded, cut, etc. For this purpose, it is specifically provided to pass the electrical conductor 50 into a recess of the articulation shaft 41 so as to provide a cable passage, which is accommodated in a region where the rotational movement of the component is of low amplitude. Ru.

For this purpose, FIG. 3 shows details of the steering wheel of FIG. 2. The conductor 50 includes a cable 51 and a connector 52. An actuator 61 is connected to a control arm 62 (at the bottom of the spokes 30 and at the hub 20) to form a locking means 60 of the movable structure, and a tightening nut 42 is screwed onto the articulation shaft 41. .

The articulation shaft 41 includes a recess (in this case a central through-hole, but for example a longitudinal outer groove could also be envisaged) forming a cable passage through the articulation 40. As a result, the cable 51 of the electrical conductor 50 can pass through this recess from the center (hub 20) to the periphery (movable structure: spokes 30 and rim 10) of the steering wheel.

FIG. 4 shows a partial sectional view of the steering wheel according to a plane perpendicular to FIG. 1 containing the axis of rotation IV-IV.

The joint part 40 mainly includes a joint shaft 41, a tightening nut 42, and a sliding ring 43.

The articulation shaft 41 is mounted (e.g., threaded) within the frame 31 of the spokes 30 to form a connection, e.g. a recessed connection, that allows the articulation shaft 41 to drive the frame 31 in rotation. inserted, inserted, or press-fitted).

Sliding ring 43 is typically made of a material with a low coefficient of friction (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE) and rests on the return wall of hub 20 to limit friction at joint 40. installed.

A tightening nut 42 is screwed onto the articulation shaft 41 to clamp the control plate 63 which interacts with the control arm 62 of FIG.

The articulating shaft 41 is typically provided with flats or grooves to ensure rotational arrest by the control plate 63 in order to provide effective locking via the kinematic chain connecting to the actuator 61. It is being

In FIG. 4, the frame 31 of the spokes 30 is shared and/or continuous with the frame of the rim 10, to the point that the overmold 32 forms a continuous aesthetic cover for the user. Please note.

It is therefore noted that, starting from the center of the hub 20, the cable 51 of the electrical conductor 50 passes through a recess or central hole in the articulation shaft 41 in order to enter directly into the overmold 32 of the mobile structure. I want to be The cable 51 is therefore kept away from other parts of the steering wheel and protected from vibrations, pinching, interference and friction that might otherwise be imposed on the electrical conductor 50.

Although not shown, to prevent the cable 51 from moving or moving relative to the articulation shaft 41 or even better protect the cable 51 from edges that may be present on the articulation shaft 41 For this purpose, a positioning insert can be provided in the recess of the articulation shaft 41 for fixing or attaching the cable 51 (for example by clipping).

Also, the connector 52 visible in FIG. 3 has dimensions that are larger than the dimensions of the cable passage in the articulation shaft 41, thereby preventing the connector 52 from slipping into recesses or holes during assembly. Please note. The connector 52 can be connected to the cable 51, for example, after the cable 51 has been inserted into the articulation shaft 41.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment to the implementation of FIG. 4. The same parts will not be explained again.

In particular, the articulation 40 is here arranged between the spokes 30 and two sliding washers 45, which are supported on the return of the hub 20, and/or conical washers forming elastic members. It includes a play compensation device in the form of an elastic washer. Alternatively, a spring can also be provided. This makes it possible to reduce the risk of clicking, but without imposing strict requirements regarding tolerances and manufacturing play.

Finally, the frame of the movable structure (spokes 30 and rim 10) is fixed together by screws 12 (or any other means such as rivets, spline pins, screwed or press-fitted); There are two parts 31A and 11A.

Such an implementation allows the spokes 30 to be mounted on the hub 20, each independently of one another, and the rim 10 subsequently mounted.

Furthermore, although the rim 10 is overmolded independently of the spokes 30, for the implementation of FIG. 4 it is possible to provide a single overmolding for the entire frame of the moving structure. Please note one point.

It will be appreciated that various modifications and/or improvements that will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made to the various embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. There will be.

Claims (15)

a hub (20);
a movable structure movable relative to the hub (20) between a driving position and at least one console position;
an articulation portion (40) disposed between the hub (20) and the movable structure and including at least one articulation shaft (41);
a vehicle steering wheel comprising: at least one electrical conductor (50) extending from the hub (20) to the movable structure;
The articulation shaft (41) has a recess for forming a cable passage, and the electrical conductor (50) extends from the hub (20) to the movable structure via the cable passage. characterized by
vehicle steering wheel. The electrical conductor (50) has one end located on the hub (20) side that includes a connector (52), the connector (52) having dimensions larger than the dimensions of the cable passage. A vehicle steering wheel according to claim 1, comprising: a vehicle steering wheel according to claim 1; Vehicle steering wheel according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the articulating shaft (41) is an additional part, separate from the movable structure and the hub (20). Vehicle steering wheel according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a play compensation device arranged at the articulation (40) between the movable structure and the hub (20). 5. A vehicle steering wheel according to claim 4, wherein the play compensation device includes a resilient member such as a spring washer. Vehicle steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a friction reducing device arranged at the articulation (40) between the movable structure and the hub (20). at least one component, wherein said friction reducing device has a coefficient of friction of less than 0.15, preferably less than 0.10, even more preferentially less than 0.07, such as a component comprising polytetrafluoroethylene or bronze; 7. The vehicle steering wheel of claim 6, comprising: Vehicle steering wheel according to any of the preceding claims, comprising two articulations (40), each having an articulation shaft (41) containing a recess. A vehicle steering wheel according to any preceding claim, wherein the movable structure includes a reinforcing portion. Vehicle steering wheel according to claim 9, wherein the reinforcement portion includes at least one rim reinforcement and/or at least one spoke reinforcement. 11. The vehicle steering wheel of claim 10, wherein the rim reinforcement is separate from the spoke reinforcement. One end comprising an electric device or an electric device incorporated in the movable structure, and the electric conductor (50) is arranged on the side of the movable structure and connected to the electric device or device. A vehicle steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: Vehicle steering wheel according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cable positioning insert arranged in the cable path between the electrical conductor (50) and the articulation shaft (41). Vehicle steering wheel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the articulation (40) is of the pivotally connected type. A motor vehicle comprising a vehicle steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 14.